Philemon 1:5

KJV

Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;

KJV (with Strong's)

Hearing {G191} of thy {G4675} love {G26} and {G2532} faith {G4102}, which {G3739} thou hast {G2192} toward {G4314} the Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424}, and {G2532} toward {G1519} all {G3956} saints {G40};

Complete Jewish Bible

for I am hearing about your love and commitment to the Lord Yeshua and to all God’s people.

Berean Standard Bible

because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints.

American Standard Version

hearing of thy love, and of the faith which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul, writing from imprisonment, opens his personal letter to Philemon with an expression of profound gratitude and prayer, specifically commending Philemon for his exemplary spiritual character. Paul has received reports detailing Philemon's vibrant faith directed toward the Lord Jesus and his active, demonstrable love extended to all fellow believers, highlighting a balanced and authentic Christian life that brings joy and encouragement to others, including Paul himself.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Philemon 1:5 is an integral part of Paul's opening thanksgiving and prayer (Philemon 1:4-7) in this short, highly personal epistle. Preceding this verse, Paul identifies himself and Timothy as senders and addresses Philemon, Apphia, Archippus, and the church in Philemon's house, establishing the recipients. Immediately following verse 5, Paul states the *effect* of hearing about Philemon's virtues—that his "fellowship of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus" (Philemon 1:6). This sets the stage for Paul's appeal regarding Onesimus, as Philemon's reputation for love and faith provides the very basis for Paul's confidence that Philemon will act charitably and obediently to the Gospel's call. The commendation in verse 5 is not mere flattery but a strategic and sincere affirmation that undergirds Paul's subsequent request.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Written likely during Paul's first Roman imprisonment (circa AD 60-62), this letter addresses a common social reality of the Roman Empire: slavery. Philemon was a wealthy Christian in Colossae, owning a runaway slave named Onesimus. Onesimus had fled to Rome, encountered Paul, and became a believer. Paul's letter is an appeal for Philemon to receive Onesimus back, not merely as a slave, but as a "brother beloved" (Philemon 1:16). The cultural context of slavery meant that a runaway slave could face severe punishment, even death. Paul's appeal, therefore, was radical, calling for a response rooted in Christian love and forgiveness that transcended societal norms. The mention of Philemon's "house church" also highlights the early Christian practice of gathering in homes, where believers shared life and worship, making Philemon's character and influence particularly significant within his local community.
* **Key Themes:** Philemon 1:5 introduces several key themes that resonate throughout the epistle and Paul's broader theology. The primary themes are **Love and Faith**, presented as inseparable virtues. Paul consistently emphasizes that genuine [faith in Christ](/galatians/2-16 "Galatians 2:16 - Justification by Faith") must manifest itself in [active love for others](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Love Chapter"). Philemon's life exemplifies this, demonstrating a vertical devotion to "the Lord Jesus" and a horizontal compassion "toward all saints." This verse also highlights the theme of **Christian Community and Fellowship**, as Philemon's love for the saints fosters the unity and mutual support characteristic of the early church. Furthermore, the concept of **Encouragement and Joy** is evident, as Paul explicitly states that Philemon's reputation brings him great joy and comfort (Philemon 1:7). These themes collectively lay the groundwork for Paul's appeal for Onesimus, showing how Philemon's established character should naturally lead him to extend grace and forgiveness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hearing (Greek, _akoúō'_):** This primary verb signifies "to hear (in various senses)," including giving audience, coming to the ears, or understanding. In Philemon 1:5, it indicates that Paul has received reports or news about Philemon's spiritual qualities. It implies that Philemon's love and faith were not hidden but were evident and widely known within the Christian community, reaching Paul even in his imprisonment.
* **love (Greek, _agápē'_):** Derived from _agapáō_, this term denotes a divine, unconditional, self-sacrificial love. It is not merely an emotion but an active choice and commitment to the well-being of others, reflecting the very nature of God. Here, it describes Philemon's benevolent and active care for his fellow believers, the "saints."
* **faith (Greek, _pístis'_):** This noun, from _peíthō_, encompasses persuasion, credence, and moral conviction. It refers to a deep trust and reliance upon the Lord Jesus for salvation, as well as constancy and fidelity in that profession. For Philemon, it signifies his personal conviction and reliance upon Christ, which then serves as the root for his outward expression of love.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hearing of thy love and faith,"**: This opening phrase reveals Paul's source of information—he has been told about Philemon's spiritual virtues. The conjunction of "love" and "faith" is characteristic of Paul's theology, often presenting them as foundational and interconnected Christian graces. "Love" here refers to _agápē_, a selfless, divine love, while "faith" refers to _pístis_, a deep trust and loyalty.
* **"which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus,"**: This clause specifies the *object* of Philemon's faith. His faith is not a vague spirituality but is concretely directed "toward the Lord Jesus." This emphasizes the vertical dimension of his spiritual life—his personal relationship, trust, and devotion to Christ as his Master and Savior.
* **"and toward all saints;"**: This final clause identifies the *object* of Philemon's love, and implicitly, the practical outworking of his faith. His love is extended "toward all saints," meaning all fellow believers. This highlights the horizontal dimension of his spiritual life—his active care, benevolence, and commitment to the Christian community, demonstrating that genuine faith in Christ inevitably overflows into love for His people.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Parallelism** in this verse, presenting Philemon's "love and faith" and then specifying their dual direction: "toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints." This structure emphasizes the two inseparable dimensions of Christian life: devotion to God (faith in Christ) and love for humanity (love for the saints). The phrase "which thou hast" acts as a **Connective Phrase**, linking the abstract virtues of love and faith to Philemon's concrete possession and demonstration of them. The verse also serves as a form of **Commendation**, establishing Philemon's good character and spiritual maturity, which strategically prepares the reader for Paul's subsequent appeal regarding Onesimus. This commendation is not merely a polite greeting but a foundational assertion of Philemon's spiritual integrity, making Paul's later request more compelling.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Philemon 1:5 beautifully articulates the fundamental Christian virtues of faith and love, demonstrating their interconnectedness and dual orientation. True faith in the Lord Jesus is never a sterile, intellectual assent but a dynamic trust that compels and enables believers to express Christ-like love towards one another. This vertical relationship with God (faith) naturally produces a horizontal overflow of compassion and service to the community of believers (love). Paul consistently teaches that these two are the greatest commandments, summarizing the entire law and prophets (Matthew 22:37-40). Philemon's life serves as a practical illustration of this theological truth, showing that a vibrant spiritual life is characterized by both deep devotion to Christ and active care for His body, the church. This integrated spirituality is the hallmark of genuine discipleship and the foundation for effective Christian witness and community.

* [Galatians 5:6](/galatians/5-6 "Galatians 5:6 - Faith Working Through Love")
* [1 John 4:20-21](/1_john/4-20-21 "1 John 4:20-21 - Love for God and Neighbor")
* [Colossians 1:3-4](/colossians/1-3-4 "Colossians 1:3-4 - Paul's Thanksgiving for Faith and Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Philemon 1:5 serves as a profound mirror for every believer, inviting us to examine the authenticity and balance of our own spiritual lives. Paul's commendation of Philemon highlights that our faith in Christ and our love for fellow saints are not private matters but are meant to be so evident that they are "heard of" by others, bringing encouragement and joy to the wider Christian community. This verse challenges us to cultivate a faith that is deeply rooted in our relationship with the Lord Jesus, trusting in His person and work, and simultaneously to express a love that is tangible, active, and inclusive of all believers, regardless of their background or status. It reminds us that our spiritual reputation is built not on words alone, but on the consistent demonstration of these two foundational virtues. As we strive to live out this dual commitment, we not only honor God but also strengthen the bonds of Christian fellowship and become more effective instruments of His grace in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways do I demonstrate my "faith toward the Lord Jesus" in my daily life?**
* **How is my "love toward all saints" evident in my interactions within my church and broader Christian community?**
* **What might others "hear of" my love and faith? Does my spiritual reputation bring encouragement to others, as Philemon's did to Paul?**
* **How can I intentionally grow in both my vertical relationship with Christ and my horizontal love for His people?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Paul hearing about Philemon's love and faith?**

Answer: The fact that Paul "heard of" Philemon's love and faith (G191, *akoúō*) is highly significant because it indicates that Philemon's virtues were not merely internal dispositions but were outwardly expressed and widely recognized within the Christian community. This public reputation served several purposes: it brought great joy and encouragement to Paul in his imprisonment (Philemon 1:7), it affirmed the genuine transformation in Philemon's life, and it established a strong foundation for Paul's subsequent appeal regarding Onesimus. Paul was confident that a man known for such love and faith would respond positively to a plea for grace and reconciliation, demonstrating the practical efficacy of the Gospel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Philemon 1:5, while commending a human believer, ultimately points to Christ as the ultimate source, object, and embodiment of both love and faith. Philemon's "faith toward the Lord Jesus" is a direct response to the [saving work of Christ](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"), who is the "author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2). It is through union with Christ that believers receive the capacity for such faith and the divine _agápē_ (love) that Philemon demonstrated. Jesus Himself is the perfect manifestation of this dual orientation: His entire life was one of [perfect obedience and trust in the Father](/john/5-19 "John 5:19 - Jesus Does What He Sees the Father Do"), representing ultimate faith, and His ministry culminated in the [ultimate act of self-sacrificial love for humanity](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This"). Therefore, Philemon's love "toward all saints" is not merely human affection but a supernatural love poured into his heart by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5), enabling him to love others as Christ loved them (John 13:34). In essence, Philemon's virtues reflect the very character of Christ, who empowers and enables His followers to live lives of faith and love that honor God and build up the body of believers.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Colossians 1:4

Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love [which ye have] to all the saints,

Ephesians 1:15

¶ Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,

1 John 5:1

¶ Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

1 John 5:2

By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.

Psalms 16:3

[But] to the saints that [are] in the earth, and [to] the excellent, in whom [is] all my delight.

1 Corinthians 16:1

¶ Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.

Philemon 1:7

For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.